ON THIS DAY - 28th October
Armidale Waratahs (The Tahs) | October 28, 2023
In 1978, after living in Brian Connolly's caravan and Graham Johnson's flat, after a serious motorbike accident nearly ended his playing days, PETER LANGSTON (#357) made his debut in B grade v Uralla. Recruited in that time honoured Waratahs manner - via a casual conversation - he filled in on the second Saturday in Ian Campbell's junior development side, took 2-16 and scored 49. He played 11 seasons for Waratahs, across several groups of seasons. His early years he mostly spend in A/1st grade, unsuccessfully, until he found his niche in the lower grades. Nearly 3,000 runs, 3 centuries, 60 catches and way too many overs later, its probably his administration of the club in the middle 1980's that he would be most proud of and his roles on the ADCA. In his non-playing latter years, he has enjoyed his role of club historian, always holding the concept of custodian central to his love of the game.
In 1989, TIM BINDLEY (#393) took 7-64 for 3rd grade v Ex Services as Waratahs cruised to an easy victory.
Waratahs v Ex Services - 3rd grade, 21st & 28th October 1989
In a 5th grade summer which was short on highlights, JOE BEER (#586) and Callum Sunners (#614) 125 run partnership for the 2nd wicket v TAS stood out. Beer (103 not out) made his only Waratahs hundred.
Waratahs v TAS - 5th grade, 21st & 28th October 1989
In 1995, the Hofkamp's dominated 5th grades match against TAS. Father ALBERT HOFKAMP (#476) took 10-83 (7-50 & 3-34) and son CARL HOFKAMP (#677) combined with DAVID REES (#744) to add a club, all grades record 252 for the 1st wicket. Carl dominated with 147, his highest score, as Waratahs declared at 1-341 and won by an innings and 98 runs.
Waratahs v TAS - 5th grade, 21st & 28th October 1995
In 2023, more than thirty attendees at a Waratahs Reunion Dinner at the Top Pub in Uralla, decided to form The Tahs, a social club based on but not exclusive to former members of Waratahs Cricket Club of Armidale. Father Andrew Davis was elected as the first leader of The Tahs, with Peter Langston his secretary and Steve Hadfield his treasurer. It was decided on the night that among social functions and staying in touch, the new club would also raise funds to support a junior Armidale cricketer each year.
